The most consistent cause of major problems for Edward the Confessor was the Godwin family.

1. Question - How far was Edward the Confessor’s personality the most important cause of the problems he faced as king of England? • The most consistent cause of major problems for Edward the Confessor was the Godwin family. • Crisis 1051/52 and the quarrels that caused it e.g. Dover and Canterbury • Harold gathering power and becoming subregulus • Tostig and Northumbria • NOT – They also solved some of his problems e.g. Wales • Another major cause of the problems faced by Edward the Confessor was the reign of the Vikings meant Edward began his reign in a weak position. • Couldn’t act without the consent and support of the three major earls. The earldoms were created by Cnut. • Hadn’t lived in England for most of his life, had no secure following. • LINK – Death of Alfred and therefore poor relations with Godwin would not have happened without Viking rule. • Edward’s capricious personality caused him some problems but, most significantly, it didn’t help him to overcome the problems that came from other sources. • Changed his mind 1051/52 LINK this could also be because of his weak position. • Was never clear on his succession, though this could have been him being sly. • Appointed Tostig but didn’t stand by him. LINK again could be weak position due to earldoms and Viking legacy. • The border nations of Wales and Scotland also caused Edward significant problems and contributed to some of the biggest crises of Edward’s reign. • Gruffyd and Sweyn campaign led to Sweyn abducting Abbess of Leominster. • Had to send Siward to invade and defeat Scots in 1054 to install Malcolm on throne, this led to death of Siwards eldest son which in turn led to the problem of Tostig and Northumbria. • Welsh raids alongside Aelfgar. • Eventually Edward send Harold to defeat Wales in 1063